Courthouse Security To Be Tightened

BROOKSVILLE - After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, government agencies nationwide beefed up security at courthouses, fire departments and other county buildings.

On Tuesday, county commissioners voted unanimously to better secure their five-story courthouse in downtown Brooksville by requiring more security checks for visitors and employees, restricting elevator use and adopting other procedures.

The board adopted recommendations arrived at by Interim County Administrator Larry Jennings, Sheriff Richard Nugent and his staff, Circuit Judge Daniel Merritt, Parks Director Pat Fagan and his staff.

Fagan said the plan will cost the county about $25,000 for renovations to the second floor hallway, cosmetic changes in the atrium and installation of controls on one elevator.

However, Fagan said the county should save $40,000 by reducing deputy staffing.

As part of the new security measures:

All existing security stations would be moved to the first floor atrium. Employees and visitors would be screened.

The only way people could enter the building is through the atrium and one elevator from the basement parking area.

The second floor bridge from the government center to the old courthouse would be closed, except for emergencies.

One of the three elevators will be used from the basement to the first-floor only and used mainly for handicapped accessibility.

"It's going to be a trial and error type situation and it's going to be rough for awhile," Fagan said.